Governor Kay Ivey joined State Representatives Kenneth Paschal and Ed Oliver, along with leaders from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Minority GOP, to officially proclaim September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men, and these leaders emphasized the importance of early detection, education and equitable access to healthcare services.
Paschal played a pivotal role in bridging the Medical Association with the Alabama Minority GOP, a group dedicated to empowering minority communities through civic engagement and advocacy. Together, these organizations say they are united in their mission to improve health outcomes and promote public health education across Alabama.
“We are grateful to Governor Ivey, the Medical Association, the Alabama Minority GOP and all the advocates who continue to shine a light on this critical health issue,” Paschal said. “I began my own prostate cancer screenings about five years ago, inspired by a close friend who shared his own personal experience with the disease and the life-saving importance of early, proactive care. I’m committed to continuing this conversation and strengthening partnerships well beyond September. I encourage others – especially men in our communities – to join us in raising awareness, getting screened early and ultimately savings lives.”
“Early screening saves lives. Prostate cancer is treatable when caught early, and it’s critical that we empower men with that knowledge,” Oliver said. “Supporting efforts that raise awareness and encourage men to take charge of their health by getting screened is essential.”
Governor Ivey’s proclamation is a statewide call to action, urging men to schedule regular prostate cancer screenings and highlighting the disproportionate risks faced by African American men, who are more likely to be diagnosed with and succumb to the disease.
“Prostate cancer affects all men but disproportionately impacts minority communities, including the very families we seek to empower,” said George Williams, state chair of the Alabama Minority GOP. “At Alabama Minority GOP, we’re committed to fighting for the health and future of our communities. We proudly stand with Rep. Paschal to raise awareness and call for meaningful action.”
Dr. Elizabeth Lowenthal, a medical oncologist with Urology Centers of Alabama and a member of the Medical Association, stressed that early detection is key to successfully treating prostate cancer.
“By increasing awareness and encouraging regular screenings, we can save lives and improve outcomes for men across Alabama,” Lowenthal said.
